James “Jim” Anderson

COBB / ST. GERMAIN - James “Jim” Anderson “Jim, age 79 passed away from natural causes at his home on Tuesday, May 26th, with his beloved wife by his side. Born on September 4, 1946, to the late Wilson and Florence Anderson, he grew up on the family farm near Cobb, WI. A devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and respected member of his community, Jim lived a life rooted in faith, hard work, service, and love for others.

Jim attended Cobb Elementary School and graduated from Iowa-Grant High School in 1964. Soon after, he married the love of his life Mary (Fugate) and built a life together for over 61 years. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin Farm and Industry Short Course in Madison and was proud to be a Badger. After, he began his first career managing the farm, evolving a great passion for growing crops and raising cattle. Later, he and Mary would disperse their livestock and embark on a new adventure managing Elbert’s Resort in St. Germain, WI for 25 years providing hospitality and building new relationships. He continued to annually grow crops on the farm and referred to himself as the “Northwoods Farmer.” ` Many guests will remember Jim as grill master for the resort’s Monday night cookouts, making burgers and hot dogs while blaring his favorite big band tunes.

Servant leadership was central to everything Jim did. While faith and family were his first priorities, giving back to the community was next. Jim was a member of the Cobb and St. Germain Lions Club and wore his vest with pride for over 55 years, enjoying the fellowship and community service the organization provided. He spent time on the boards for the Wisconsin Beef Council, Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Association, St. Germain Chamber of Commerce and Elbert’s Condo Association, serving terms as President of each organization. He was also elected to Iowa-Grant School Board.

As a young adult, Jim was a fixture on the ballfield at Scheper Park in Cobb as a fast pitch softball umpire. There he got to call games and witness some of the best players and most intense competition southwest Wisconsin had to offer. He loved any race that had the Intimidator Dale Earnhardt and his #3 car in it. He also found his other happy place off the farm and resort in Princeville, Kauai and loved “hanging loose” to the island vibe, music and Mai Tais at the Tahiti Nui.

Jim is survived by his wife Mary, with whom he built a beautiful life centered around faith, farming, family, and unwavering devotion to one another. He was the proud father of two children, Pam (Mike) Tester of Advance, NC and Jon (Rachel) Anderson of Delafield. He cherished his role as “Papa” and “Grandpa” to his three grandchildren, Brandon Tester, Emily (Luke) Walker, and Nicole Anderson, and his two great-grandchildren, Avery and Sadie Walker. He is also survived by a sister, Carol Anderson, brother Mark (Beverley) Anderson, brother in laws Roger and Jerry Fugate, along with several nieces and nephews.

Jim was strong in character, gentle in spirit, and generous to everyone around him. He loved deeply, cared fiercely, and showed up for people without hesitation. He believed in doing things the right way, lived by a “git r done” attitude, and would tell you the only real tractor was an Allis-Chalmers. Those who knew him will forever remember his goofy sense of humor, generous spirit, and the way he loved his family and friends with his whole heart.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in memory of Jim and will be distributed to organizations that special to him.